Free State Provincial Government Bursaries 2027: Apply for Scarce Skills Funding

Free State Provincial Government Bursaries 2027: Apply for Scarce Skills Funding

The Free State Office of the Premier is inviting eligible students to apply for the Free State Provincial Government Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year. This opportunity is for residents of the Free State province who wish to pursue full-time degree or diploma studies in critical and scarce-skills fields. Applications close on 13 November 2026.

Application Closing Date: 13 November 2026 at 16:00
Location: Free State, South Africa
Programme Duration: Full-time studies
Stipend: Funding for tuition, textbooks, accommodation, meals, and transport may be provided.
Minimum Qualification: Matric or equivalent, for degree and diploma studies.
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the Free State Provincial Government Bursary 2027

The Free State Provincial Government, through its Office of the Premier, offers this bursary to develop essential skills within the province. The programme aims to boost the local workforce by supporting students who are studying or plan to study in fields identified as having critical or scarce skills. This bursary is specifically for students who live in the Free State.

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old, unemployed, and enrolled or planning to enroll in full-time studies at a recognized South African university or university of technology. Preference will be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

About the Free State Office of the Premier

The Free State Office of the Premier is the administrative arm of the provincial government. It plays a key role in coordinating government activities and implementing provincial policies. The office is committed to improving the lives of Free State residents through various development programmes, including educational support like this bursary.

Fields of Study Covered

Bursaries are available for degree or diploma studies in the following important areas:

• STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Finance
• Economics
• Accounting
• Psychology-related studies
• Social Sciences
• Aviation Studies
• Various Bachelor of Administration programmes
• Public Governance
• Developmental Studies

Students should confirm that their chosen course of study is listed in these fields before applying.

What the Bursary Offers

Successful applicants can receive financial help for several study-related expenses. This may include:

• Tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks
• Learning aid devices, if needed
• Meals
• Accommodation, if required
• Transport, if needed
• A monthly living allowance, where applicable

The specific support provided will depend on the student’s individual needs and the bursary’s terms. Recipients also get access to support services like the Student Liaison and Support Unit for academic and emotional guidance.

Programme Duration and Location

This bursary supports full-time studies towards a degree or diploma at a recognized South African university or university of technology. The programme is open to students residing in the Free State province. Specific details about the duration of support will be outlined in the bursary agreement.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for this bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Reside within the Free State province.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old.
• Currently completing Matric or have already completed Matric.
• Have a total household income of less than R600,000 per year.
• Be studying or planning to study full-time towards an eligible degree or diploma.
• Have been accepted at a recognized and accredited Higher Education Institution in South Africa.
• Study at a university or university of technology.
• Not be receiving any other form of government funding.
• Be unemployed.
• Be willing to work within the related service sectors after completion.

Preference will be given to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Household Income Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate a household income below R600,000 per annum. Proof of income is required and can include recent payslips (not older than three months), an affidavit if unemployed, proof of a SASSA grant, or proof of pension income.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit clear copies of all required supporting documents with their application form. These include:

• Certified copy of the applicant’s ID.
• Certified copy of Matric results if currently in Matric, or the Matric certificate if completed.
• Proof of acceptance from a registered Higher Education Institution.
• Proof of residence not older than three months.
• Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
• Parents’ or guardians’ death certificates, if applicable.
• Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income.

Incomplete applications or those missing compulsory documents may be rejected.

How to Apply

Applications must be hand-delivered to the Bursary Unit at the Free State Office of the Premier. The delivery address is:

FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene
Bloemfontein
9301

Applicants should carefully complete the official Free State Office of the Premier Bursary Application Form. When asked how they heard about the bursary, applicants can enter www.zabursaries.co.za. Ensure all required documents are attached before submission.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Feedback to shortlisted applicants is expected within four months after the closing date.
• If you do not hear back within four months, consider your application unsuccessful.
• Ensure all documents are certified and valid.
• Submit your application before the closing date and time.
• Keep a copy of your submitted application for your records.

Closing Date

Applications close on 13 November 2026 at 16:00. Late applications will not be accepted.

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